ENGLISH
REFERENCE

atlantic

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ətˈɫænɪk// at·lantic Archaic

n. the large ocean that sits between Europe and Africa to the east, and North and South America to the west.

n. the second largest of the world's oceans, separating the Americas from Europe and Africa. Usually preceded by the definite article.


SIMPLE

The ship sailed across the Atlantic.

CONTEXTUAL

Many flights cross the Atlantic every day to connect major cities in Europe and North America.

COMPLEX

The Atlantic serves as a vital corridor for international trade, though its vast expanse once presented a formidable barrier to early explorers and navigators.

Origin

From Middle English Atlantyke, from Latin Ā̆tlanticus, from Ancient Greek Ἀτλαντικός (Atlantikós, “Atlantean, of Atlas”), from Ancient Greek Ἄτλᾱς (Átlās), either from ἁ- (ha-, copulative prefix) + Proto-Indo-European *telh₂- (“bear, undergo, endure”) or of Pre-Greek origin.

Usage

Usually functions as a proper noun preceded by 'the' ('the Atlantic'). When used as an adjective, it describes things related to this ocean or the countries bordering it.

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